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Property from the Eric C. Caren CollectionLINCOLN, ABRAHAM"Departure of Mr. Lincoln—Parting Address" in the Weekly Illinois State Journal, Vol. XXX, No. 1541, Springfield: Bailhache & Baker, Wednesday, February 13, 1861 Folio, 4 pages (25 x 18 1/2 in.; 633 x 467 mm) on a bifolium of wove paper, fine woodcut vignette incorporated in title, several woodcut vignettes among advertisements; lightly browned, a few light marginal stains, foot of first leaf shaved catching some final lines including seven words of Lincoln's address, small loss to upper right corner of second leaf costing a few letters, some separation with tears and repair at central fold affecting, but not costing, a few lines of text on second page, disbound. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot. "To you, dear friends, I owe all that I have, and all that I am": The most authoritative text of one of Lincoln's iconic speeches, his Farewell Address at Springfield, printed in his hometown newspaper. Lincoln's election to the presidency on November 6, 1860, set the country on an irrevocable path towards Civil War. The term "compromise" dominated the political discourse, as politicians suggested schemes that would appease the South and prevent secession. This issue carries a lengthy speech on the subject by Senator William Seward of New York (shortly to be Lincoln's Secretary of State) on the first page, as well as a summary of the plan promoted by Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky. The Weekly Illinois State Journal, though, was having none of compromise, editorializing that "There are a few letter writers in Springfield who are endeavoring to create the impression that Mr. Lincoln has committed himself to some particular compromise of existing difficulties. We have steadily denied this, and time will show that we are correct. … Mr. Lincoln is not a traitor. He is not composed of material out of which a traitor can be made.—We will so far play the 'organ' as to say to all compromisers and temporisers, go ahead, but don't count Abraham Lincoln 'in' for any plan of adjustment that surrenders the principles upon which he was elected." Lincoln's warm and homey address, applauded by "hundreds of his friends and fellow-citizens, without distinction of party," nonetheless betrayed a certain melancholy as he began his fateful journey. "No one who has never been placed in a like position can understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this parting. For more than a quarter of a century I have lived among you. … Here I have lived from my youth until now I am an old man. Here the most sacred ties of earth were assumed; here all my children were born; and here one of them lies buried. … To-day I leave you; I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon General Washington. … With these few words I must leave you—for how long I know not. Friends, one and all, I must now bid you an affectionate farewell." Although a manuscript of the Farewell Address exists, partly in Lincoln's handwriting and partly in that of his secretary John G. Nicolay, it was written retrospectively as the president-elect's train was leaving Springfield. The text in the Weekly Illinois State Journal (which had appeared the previous day in the daily edition of the paper) was likely taken down as Lincoln spoke. The newspaper version, while still brief, is more than half again as long as the manuscript and contains "evocative lines not present in Lincoln's written draft" (Widmer). LITERATURE:Collected Writings of Abraham Lincoln, ed. Basler, 4:190-91; cf. Ted Widmer, Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington (2020), chapter 4, "Farewell"Condition ReportCondition as described in catalogue entry. The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The